The Junior Doctors and the students joined together on the picket lines, showing solidarity with each other in their criticism of Jeremy Hunt. They created a human chain across Westminster Bridge, linking St Thomas’ Hospital and Parliament.

Nursing student Emma Rans said “every part of the NHS is either already under attack or will be under attack in the very near future. I believe that if we do not unite together now, then we will be more vulnerable.”

Photo taken by Bursary or Bust

KCLSU encouraged the walk out, in solidarity with nurses and junior doctors. They said that “these students play a crucial role in the functioning of the NHS, effectively working as additional staff for large parts of their courses.”

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt claimed that 43% of junior doctors showed up to work-slightly more than the first 24 hour strike last month. NHS England later confirmed that the 43% figure included doctors who had never intended to strike like those working in emergency care.

Todays walkout was part of a week of action called by trade unions and student unions.